by roxanne
(irvine,ca)
Has very sharp pointed ends.
Drought Smart Plants reply:
Hi Roxanne, it looks like what you have based on the description of the sharp pointed ends is a lovely example of an Agave.
These are some of the toughest plants in creation, very drought tolerant and well behaved except for the needle sharp spines.
Many growers cut these off to make a large collection easier and less dangerous to care for.
The ‘watermarks’ or variation in colour of the leaves and the outlines of other leaves impressed into the surface of outer leaves is exquisite in most varieties and species of Agave.
They require bright light to be at their best, and exceptionally sharp drainage.
Once they ‘pup’ you can remove these at the base where they attach to the mother plant for new plants. Eventually, in ten or twenty years, your Agave might bloom, after which it will die.
This spectacular event is a wonder of the botanical world, as the Agave typically makes a huge tall tree-like stalk with blooms at the top.
In cooler climates, or when confined to a container, the blooming generally won’t happen.
I’ve seen pictures of a big conservatory with a hole in the roof for the flower stalk to come out, as it was so big. In some cases, the bloom stalk will be 3-4 meters tall.
This rare occasion gives rise to the common name of ‘Century Plant’, as some species only bloom once in a hundred years.
If you keep your plant in a smallish pot, you’ll be able to stunt its growth and enjoy it on a deck or patio for the summer for a long time to come.
Jacki
Comments for Need help identifying this plant
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